Day 102: Think or feel or believe or realize.
Writers often interchange the phrases I realize that, I think that, I believe that, and I feel that. However, these four phrases have unique meanings.
- I realize that—expresses a new understanding or awareness
- I think that—expresses an idea, a fact, etc. that, in your opinion, is true
- I believe that—expresses an opinion or an expectation about a future occurrence
- I feel that—expresses an emotional state
When a writer uses these phrases inappropriately, he or she confuses the readers. When they are used correctly, they accurately describe the writer’s confidence level and mental activity regarding a topic.